When craving for wildlife and an unforgettable holiday experience, crave for Tanzania – the mighty soul of Africa. Here is where all cravings are quenched because in the face of diversity, he who travels more discovers more. Plan your next safari trip to Tanzania, the largest country in the east of Africa. It has the largest concentration of animals per sq. mile in the world, including the big 5 notably lions, leopards, elephants, Buffalos and Rhinos. The two commonly spoken languages here are; English and Swahili.
Tanzania is situated south of the equator, and it got her independence in the year 1964. Bordering Tanzania is Kenya to the northeast, Malawi and Mozambique to the south, Uganda to the northwest, the vast Indian ocean, Rwanda, and Burundi to the west, Mount. Kilimanjaro; tallest stand-alone mountains in the world in the north, and Zambia to the southwest. 40% of Tanzanian land is occupied by Lakes, rivers, forest cover, swamps, and mountains; which attracts a number of researchers, tourists, and students from within and beyond Tanzania.
What to see in Tanzania on a safari?
Annual wildebeest Migration.
The great wildebeest migration is a natural phenomenon in Tanzania. It only takes place in Africa, between the Serengeti-Masai Mara corridors. This is the largest animal movement on land each year. Where you will find them is what matters. In the first months of the year, the animals are calving and concentrating in the Serengeti plains. Mid-year the Journey to Masai Mara National Reserve starts, with tasks of crossing among others the Mara River invested with crocodiles and Hippos.
Whereas many die, we have those that live to finish the Journey of tasting the fresh pasture and water. The annual wildebeest migration features over 2 million wildebeests, thousands of zebras, impalas and lots more herbivores on a stretch of over 3000 km. You get to uncover facts about the different animal behaviors, sights and sounds with an expert ranger guide. Be a lucky one to see a kill by either a lion, leopard or cheetah.
Mountains.
Exploring Tanzanian mountains means boldness and love for adventure. Go to Mount. Kilimanjaro which stands at 5,895m, Mount. Meru at 4,565, Mount. Hanang at 3,417m, Ol Doinyo Lengai and more. What takes you to the mountain if not to relax above the ground, uncover mountain formations, and escape the daily bustle and more? One of the hikes everyone must undertake is a hike to the snowcapped summit of Mountain Kilimanjaro.
This is the tallest stand-alone mountain in the world, but with a high percentage of hiking success. You need to plan an 8-9 days trek to the peak and also combine with other destinations in the region.
Wildlife.
Tanzania is home to a range of wildlife species in the world. It is a reason why a number of researchers, photographers and videographers visit to capture the different attractions and phenomena in Mother Nature. It is a country you visit and come up-close to among others; zebras, giraffes, lions, Rhinos, the cape buffalos, gazelles, different antelope species, cheetahs, wildebeests, hyenas, mongoose, wild dogs, hyenas, jackals, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, different primate species, ostriches, flamingos, Guineafowl, grey crowned crane, and the chimpanzees and more.
Diverse cultures
Dancing to the African drum beat is an excellent vacation goal for many tourists. More so if it is in the heart of Tanzania where modernity hasn’t yet got its way into the lives of most people. Most of them are stuck to the ways of their forefathers, and exhibit through their beliefs, songs, dressing, homesteads, and food.
One of the people that you must visit are the Masai Warriors who live at the boundaries of Serengeti and Ngorongoro national parks. These have for a long time held their identity in herds of cattle and will do whatever it takes to defend them. They entertain guests through their vibrant cultural dances, community walks, interesting stories, and a tour to animal kraals.
Where to go / Safari destinations in Tanzania.
Northern safari circuit.
The northern safari circuit has the most famous holiday destinations in Tanzania. It is also the most visited and rich in flora and fauna. The region has amazing road networks, airstrips, and high-end safari camps. To uncover more, all you need is to use the road, through African homesteads, lush plantations, busy towns, and stunning rift valley escarpments.
Places to visit in the northern circuit are:
Serengeti National Park.
Home to the annual wildebeest migration and the big 5 mammals of Africa, Serengeti is also one of the largest national parks in Africa.
Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks.
Lake Manyara is famous for the tree climbing lions, and a large concentration of African elephants, while Tarangire is the nearest national park to Arusha city and one of the sites for annual wildebeest migration.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The true wilderness of Ngorongoro crater prides in the vast population of predators, as well as well the magnificent land caldera which is one of the largest in the world. Arusha National park is a perfect place for those with no much time but wish to hike or visit the animals. The Great Rift Valley lakes of Eyasi and Natron with a large population of flamingos and other amazing bird species.
Mountain Kilimanjaro.
This is the tallest stand-alone mountain in the world, with snowcapped peaks.
The Masai villages.
The Masai warriors are a unique and very exciting cultural group in the north. They are renowned herdsmen whose wealth and survival are attributed to cattle.
To explore the different parks in this region 4 above days to the different destinations. There are classic accommodation facilities for the most memorable stay experience.
Best months to visit the north is June to October and December to March. These are peak seasons, with low or no rainfalls which make the tour more adventurers and less hectic. The trips to the northern circuit start from Arusha city, or through Kilimanjaro international airport.
Southern safari circuit.
The main gate to the southern circuit is through the capital city of Dar es salaam, Tanzania’s biggest coastal city and the busiest capital. Tourists have to land at Julius Nyerere International airport and then connect to any of the national park with a chartered aircraft or by road. The region is much closer to the coast than the rest of the circuits.
Popular Destinations in the southern safari circuit.
Selous Game Reserve.
This is the largest game reserve in the world, and famous for large concentration of wild dogs and the endangered black Rhinos. The park also has a varied vegetation pattern with the riverine forest cover, wooden grassland, and the lush thickets which attract a large concentration of animals.
Ruaha National Park: this is the largest National park in East Africa measuring about 20,226sqkm. In the park is about 10% of the lion population and a large concentration of African elephant population. One can access this park by air from Dar es Salaam or on road from Iringa town after a 2-3 hour scenic drive. The two airstrips serving are: Jongomeru airstrip or Msembe. It is a safe and calm destination which presents an opportunity for an interrupted adventure and fun.
Mikumi National Park: this is the fourth largest savannah park in Tanzania and known for a large concentration of acacia trees, hippos, elephants, wildebeest, giraffes, zebras and more. The road from Dar-es-salaam has improved thus attraction a number of travelers for adventure.
Coastal circuits
Unmatched in the continent of Africa. Tanzania gate away spans to the shore of the massive Indian Ocean. Before transforming it into a Holiday destination, Zanzibar Island was for slave trade and spice Plantation. Hundreds of British and Arabs took interest and thus arriving and setting up buildings for businesses, and much more.
Now the Island is not only a perfect spot for relaxation, it is also a place to visit and uncover the olden history. One can only get here by air and water.
Activities at the coastline include exploring coral rifts, dolphin tours, swimming, spice plantation tours, beach life experience, and more. The best time to visit this circuit is the months of June to October.
Western Safari circuits
If heading to the western circuits; the recommended landing should be at Kilimanjaro international airport in Arusha, or Julius Nyerere international airport in Dar es Salaam. The regions attractions are easily accessible by air. Other travel options is water from Kigoma town. Kigoma can be accessed from Dar es Salaam, or using a train from Arusha.
It is a region for primate lovers who intend to reunite with their cousins the chimpanzees. One rare occasions one may also encounter the roan and sable antelopes, the hippos, giraffes, elephants, zebras and antelopes. The notable destinations are: Katavi National park, Gombe stream and Mahale mountains. Some of the major chimpanzee studies have been done and established from these destinations.
Over 800 chimpanzees call Mahale national park home. Other species here include; the red-tailed, blue and Columbus monkeys. Katavi national park is less visited because of the remote location, but has among others; the zebras, buffalos, cheetahs, wildebeest, hyenas, antelopes and more. Gombe streams covers about 13sqkm of the protected land and is at the eastern part of Lake Tanganyika. It is the smallest park in the country, with a number of habituated chimpanzees and the baboons. Best time for this region is February to April and June to October.
Best time to visit Tanzania.
Tanzania is an all-year-round holiday destination. Tours can be done at any day of the week, from 6am to 7pm or beyond for the night life lovers. Bird lovers should not miss out the wet months of the year, with the visiting migratory birds, and the lush greenery.
June to October and December to February are peak season of tourism with many visitors coming to have an encounter with their preferred wildlife. It is an ideal time to track the wildebeest movements to Masai Mara National reserve in Kenya. To experience the calving of the wildest, the month of January is the most ideal.
Facts about Tanzania Safaris.
Tanzanian Safaris are safe and unforgettable. This is top destination in the continent of Africa, with a high tourist demands thus the need to book at least six months in advance. The nation is one the fast growing low income countries in the world. However, it is rich in wildlife, culture and hospitality.
A quarter of the country’s land is composed of water bodies, mountains, and trees. There are over 30 national parks and rich heritages which tell the Tanzanian story.
Research reveals that there is a largest concentration of animals per square kilometer. The Security, modern infrastructure, and make it pleasant for everyone on a holiday to visit and spend time as solo or group. There are several accommodation facilities in and beyond the city. Often trips start from either Kilimanjaro international airport, or Dar-es-salaam.
Northern safari circuit is the most visited because of her famous attractions, notably; Serengeti national park with its famous annual wildebeest migration, Ngorongoro Crater with the magnificent caldera. Lake Manyara national park with the sought-after tree climbing lions; Mountain Kilimanjaro which is the tallest stand-alone mountain on earth, and the famous Masai warriors who will take you through a thrilling village experience, and more.
The cost of Tanzania Safaris.
The cost of a Tanzania safari varies depending on many factors which include among others; the duration of one’s stay, accommodation choice, transportation, activities to be done, choice of destinations, and the time of the year your safari is held.
The months of June to October are peak and so the cost is higher than when you travel in the low season – October, November and March to May.
The budget safari with a selection of budget lodges, basic meals, and selected wildlife viewing destinations.
Luxury safari puts you in charge of the experience with a selection of luxury accommodation, stopovers at exclusive destinations, rich selection of cuisine, high end services, and cozy transportation.
Midrange choice is to mid-budget accommodation facilities, great food selection, remarkable safari experience, and very comfortable transportation means. The longer the trip, the more expensive it is, the more comfortable the lodging is, the more expensive it become. It is advised to double check-prices online for the best discount offers, but Standard Safaris will definitely offer the most competitive rates.
How’s weather on a Tanzania Safari?
Tanzania experiences warm weather throughout the year; one of the best in the region. The tropical savannah, wet and dry. The long rain seasons start from mid-March to early June. The temperatures range on 18 to 29 degrees Celsius. The other months are relatively dry. What you need to know is you can also experience rains in the dry months as well as in the sunny days in the wet months of the year.
The peak safari season happens during dry months of the year; June to October. Also, important to note is that the heat experienced isn’t the scorching one that affect one’s experience or keeps them indoors. One can keep on the activities regardless of the day’s weather.
Tanzania Safari Clothing
What should you have in your bag pack for a Tanzanian tour? This is answered by establishing how long your stay will be, the activities set forth and the places to explore. All you need are the descent clothes for the trip. This among others include: the hand gloves to protect your hands from the thorns; the hut to protect your head, long stockings that cover your legs; the warm cloths, waterproof coats, trousers, shirts, good hiking boots, and more. Besides the clothing, you also need a very good binoculars to watch distant animals; professional camera for photography, and many more.
How long should a Tanzania safari be?
Whereas the duration of one’s safari is determined by commitments and vacation time, you should note that the longer the stay in Tanzania, the more one gets to uncover unique attractions and undertake the local culture. However, the question is on how many days to spend? 7-10 days is an average time in Tanzania. It gives you an opportunity to travel to more than one national parks, mingle with the natives and write your personal Tanzanian story.
No matter how long you choose to stay and where the hours take you, be sure to enjoy. The wilderness gets very closer by each passing day, with lots of laughs and wonders. Wanting to do hiking to the summit of the tallest stand-alone mountain on earth, plan 10 days and above, and combine with other destinations in the northern part of the country. The Annual wildebeest migration needs over 20 days to understand the movement across the dangerous obstacles such as the across the Mara river.
When it comes to the need to meet and uncover various cultures; explore different animals such as lions; birding, see primates, trek Mountains, explore different water bodies, or eat very tasty cuisines, get your back pack and book a flight to Tanzania. This is a country with amazing hospitality, vast wildlife, diverse cultures and great scenery. Make it a point to experience a safari in Tanzania at least once in your lifetime.
